RALEIGH, NC –Reps. Murphy, Davis, Horn and Malone and Sens. Davis, McInnis and Rabon, joined by Attorney General Josh Stein, today unveiled legislation to confront the opioid epidemic. The STOP Act, formally the Strengthen Opioid misuse Prevention Act, was introduced today with companion bills in the House and Senate. This legislation will ensure smarter prescribing and smarter dispensing of highly-addictive prescription drugs. The bill also includes $20 million for treatment and recovery over two years.

“I am proud and humbled to sponsor landmark legislation that will lead all the major stakeholders in the battle against the tragic Opioid Epidemic in North Carolina.” – Rep. Greg Murphy (MD)

“The opioid epidemic is destroying families across North Carolina,” said AG Stein. “As I travel the state, I regularly hear gut-wrenching stories about this issue. Smarter prescribing practices will reduce the number of people who become addicted, while funding treatment and recovery will help those who are currently struggling. I am confident that together we can make progress combating this crisis.” –Attorney General Josh Stein

“Prescription drug addiction is a crisis that affects every corner of our state and claimed the lives of close to 1,400 North Carolinians in 2015 alone,” said Sen. Jim Davis, who has spent nearly two years working on the STOP Act. “It is one of the gravest challenges we face as a state, which is why it is so important that we pass this bipartisan solution, tackle this epidemic and help save human lives.”

Click here for a one-page summary of the bill and here for a one-page infographic that illustrates the opioid crisis. To view video of the press conference, visit www.facebook.com/NCDOJ/.